Alan Shearer responds to Anthony Gordon after Newcastle star fumes over 'stupid' criticism

Alan Shearer has doubled down after Anthony Gordon called out his comments over dropping to the bench through illness in the Champions League.

Gordon came under fire from the Geordie icon after he was left on the bench for Newcastle's first leg clash with Barcelona last week.

Eddie Howe revealed that Gordon was suffering with illness prior to the match, with the England international coming on in the 67th minute of the 1-1 draw at St James' Park.

Gordon broke Shearer's Champions League goal record this season, scoring 10 goals in just 11 appearances so far this campaign.

Speaking after Gordon's absence was confirmed, Shearer hit out at the winger claiming he should have started the game.

“Maybe I’m old school but if you’re fit enough to train in the morning, and I know he doesn’t feel well, but this is Barcelona at Newcastle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League," he insisted.

“It would take something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game tonight.”

Anthony Gordon being substituted on during the clash against Barcelona (credit: getty)

Gordon went on to score the winner for Newcastle at Stamford Bridge after fully recovering in the week, and he had a message for Shearer's 'nonsense' in his post-match interview.

“Usually I don't like to clear stuff up because I don't care too much, but this one does need clearing up because it was just nonsense," Gordon explained.

The 25-year-old revealed he was expecting to start the game despite being bed bound in the buildup, but Howe opted to rest him.

“I didn't see but the stuff that the media guy told me was complete and utter stupidity, I was in bed for three days, missed training, so I was sick for three days," he continued.

"Then I turned up on the day of the game ready to start and I thought I was starting.

“When I got to the stadium, the manager told me I wasn't starting, which you can imagine I didn't like very much, but that's his decision."

Shearer doubles down on Gordon criticism

Shearer has now issued his own response to Gordon on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, but doubled down on his initial comments.

"Good! I love it! That’s fine. You always get the chance, the right to reply as a player," Shearer said.

“I wouldn’t change anything I said the other night against Barcelona, illness wouldn’t have kept me out for a game, I know he said it was the manager’s [decision].”

Howe also confirmed his role in the decision ahead of the clash with Chelsea, insisting Gordon was 'absolutely willing' to play.

"I do have to clear something up," Howe said.

"He was absolutely absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona.

"He was prepared to play but, in consultation with the medical team, we didn't think he was fit to play."